SETU conferred academic awards on 181 members of the Irish Defence Forces at its annual conferring ceremony at the Kilkenny Road Campus in Carlow on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
The ceremony was attended by Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Callaghan, Major General John Wittaker, Brigadier General Louis Flynn, and officers and personnel of the Defence Forces, alongside graduates’ families and friends.
Addressing graduates, Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, congratulated them on their achievements and highlighted the importance of education, collaboration and professional development in supporting Ireland’s defence and security capabilities.
“Our partnership with the Defence Forces is one of the most valued and enduring collaborations within SETU, and one that exemplifies the very principle of strength in unity. At a time of increasing global uncertainty, security has rightly moved to the forefront of public and political discourse. Emerging threats and evolving forms of warfare have reinforced the importance of preparedness, resilience and service.
SETU is proud to play a role in supporting the education and professional development of Ireland’s Defence Forces, helping to strengthen the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to meet the challenges of today and into the future.”
Professor Veronica Campbell President of SETU
"I am extremely proud of all 181 Defence Forces personnel recognised for their academic achievements today. These awards reflect their dedication and commitment to lifelong learning while balancing the demands of military service and academic study. Education and continuous professional development are essential to ensuring our personnel can adapt to an evolving security environment and deliver effective military capability.
I would like to thank SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, and her team, alongside our instructors, the Defence Forces Registrar’s Office and support staff, for their continued commitment to our valued partnership and the delivery of high-quality educational opportunities that strengthen both our personnel and the future capability of the Defence Forces."
Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces
Expanding education, research and innovation partnerships
SETU’s educational partnership with the Defence Forces began in 2012, with more than 2,580 military personnel graduating through programmes delivered in collaboration with the University.
The partnership continues to expand, with new programmes being developed in physical education, military policing, transport and logistics, and space engineering.
Research and innovation are also becoming increasingly important, with SETU’s Dr Ashish Vashishtha working alongside Defence Forces personnel to explore future technology capabilities that will support Ireland’s evolving security needs.
These developments support the Defence Forces’ Joint Professional Military Education Strategy 2025–2028 and follow a €1 million investment awarded to SETU by the Higher Education Authority in 2025 to expand educational pathways and professional development opportunities.
Prof. Campbell concluded by acknowledging the commitment of graduates balancing academic study with professional and operational responsibilities, alongside the contributions of SETU’s Extended Campus and the Defence Forces Registrar’s Office.
The ceremony reflects SETU’s continued commitment to lifelong learning, supporting the professional development of Defence Forces personnel and strengthening Ireland’s future defence capabilities.